Brandel Library provides North Parkers books and course materials and serves as a base camp for various student clubs. Here鈥檚 a day in the life of our beloved Brandel:
7:30 a.m. 鈥� Student workers power up printers and unlock doors to prepare for the library鈥檚 7:45 a.m. opening. There鈥檚 a calm before the storm as a few students mull outside, waiting to print off last-minute assignments, check
out laptops, and microwave morning meals.
鈥淪tudents have shared that they want the library to be somewhere they can come to get their work done,鈥� said Director Matthew Ostercamp. 鈥淪o, we鈥檝e created pockets throughout the building that serve different purposes.鈥�
8:30 a.m. 鈥� Things immediately slow down as the first classes begin. Commuter students settle in to claim their favorite spots as they start their days.
鈥淔or commuters, being on campus and making connections is essential to the college experience,鈥� said fourth-year student Ayesha Irizarry, commuter representative for North Park鈥檚 Student Government Association. 鈥淭hey often live with their families in busy homes, and lead busy lives, and the library is a safe place to come focus.鈥�
10:30 a.m. 鈥� Philosophy Club students come together on the third floor in Norsten Tower to debate, discuss, and drink coffee. Once a week, they review a new philosophical topic.
鈥淥ur shared memories connect to the circular table in that room. It鈥檚 a consistent, guaranteed space to meet where we know we鈥檙e welcome,鈥� said Philosophy Club co-president Jaden Perdue.
12:00 p.m. 鈥� As the day continues, the library breathes and moves much like a living body鈥攁nd eats like one, too. A student worker brings treats to share with friends while student-athletes cluster in a study room with endless pizza boxes surrounding their textbooks.
3:00 p.m. 鈥� Back downstairs, a Writing Center appointment begins. Assistant Director Mia Santiago leads the group of 15 student advisors to help edit and transform student papers.
鈥淲e have two writing advisors on drop-in duty when we鈥檙e open,鈥� Santi- ago said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an invaluable resource to our students.鈥�
7:00 p.m. 鈥� Students settle down in comfy clothes and chairs to prepare for late-night studying. The vibe is quieter than in the morning, and students are grateful for the air-conditioned solace of the space.
11:00 p.m. 鈥� The library closes for the day. The last few students straggle out following a study session as student workers lock up, turning off the lights until early morning tomorrow.